"After long and careful consideration I have decided not to play for FC Schalke 04 next season. It took me a very long time to reach this decision and it was a very difficult one for me to take. I would like to thank the club, the supervisory board chairman and the director of sport for being so patient while I made up my mind.

I can assure you that I will not be continuing my career in a European league, which also includes the Bundesliga, of course. This was a very difficult decision that had to be taken. I will now sit down with my agent and take some time to consider the offers. What is certain, however, is that this league won't be as strong as the ones in Europe."

Raul joined Schalke in July 2010, deciding he would be come upon more opportunities to play in the Bundesliga than he might under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

He left the Bernabeu a Real Madrid icon. In 16 seasons at the club, Raul made a record 741 appearances and scored a record 341 goals. He won six Spanish league titles, three Spanish cups and was part of three Champions League-winning teams.

A poacher of the very highest order, Raul remains the leading scorer in the history of the Champions League, with 71 goals in Europe's premier club competition.

Many expected his move to Schalke to represent a winding down toward his retirement, but he's showed no signs of slowing down. Raul has continued to bring a genuine goal threat in both the Bundesliga and in Europe and formed a prolific partnership with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar along the way.

As reported by ESPNsoccernet, the pair have scored 63 times between them this season. Here's what Huntelaar had to say about his veteran strike partner earlier this month:

"He has had a super career, and he still performs week-in, week-out. He is still enjoying his football.

Where will Raul go next?

Where will Raul go next?

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MLS

77.4%

Somewhere Else

10.6%

Total votes: 425

Could that possibility be revisited this summer? Or what about the chances of Raul arriving at LA Galaxy, perhaps even as a replacement for David Beckham?

Wherever he lands next, there's no question Raul still has much to offer. An instinctive striker with masterful timing and a reading of the game developed over 18 years at the highest level, the man who was once king at Real Madrid could yet be king again elsewhere.

If a U.S. franchise can convince him to overlook the reportedly huge financial gains on offer in the Middle East, his signature would prove a major coup for the MLS.